Most sand-based airlocks are only 1 block thick, due to the fact that only 1 layer of sand is needed to stop the water.ĭetermining the materials needed is simple enough. Airlocks are usually built directly across the hallway. For a building with multiple entrances, multiple airlocks may be needed to achieve optimal dryness. When placing an airlock, be sure to think about choosing narrow passageways and choke points, so that less time is spent on the project. This continues to the last torch.Īn airlock requires only two components, a block affected by gravity (such as sand) and torches ( regular, soul fire, or Redstone). A torch attached to any of the blocks above also breaks. When a torch with sand on top of it touches water, the sand drops and stops water flow in that direction. Water flows outward, but dries up if not connected to a block of still water.Sand always attempts to fall and can be supported by a torch.Torches can support other blocks, and they turn back into an item if the block it is attached to is removed or if it is exposed to water.Pressing the button triggers a sticky piston, which removes the torch placed on the cobblestone, letting the sand fall.Īirlocks rely on the properties of the torch, sand, and water to function.